Part 1 covering the months from January to June. Page updated 21st June 2014
As the train I worked back from London slowed for the approach to Eastleigh station I managed to grab a picture of these 2 engines in Eastleigh Yd. 66568 is on the left (with 66516 out of sight on the rear) having worked down on the 4O14 from Hams Hall whilst on the right 66124 creeps out of the Yard with the 6N11 Ballast working to the possession at Southampton Central. 22nd March 2014
We should really have gone home after the GeeBee but Real Time trains showed the very late Colas coal to Gloucester yard had activated, so we decided to wait. And we waited and waited with the light failing we were actually walking back to the car when a couple of other Fotters called us back. At 5.20pm, 66848 rumbles past on 4V30 Ratcliffe-Gloucester Yard, 13th March 2014
A new location for me and one that I wouldn't hesitate to revisit. Barrow upon Trent can be found on the Freight only line between Stenson Jn and the marshaling yard at Toton. The view of the line is from Deblenfield Bridge which is adjacent to the Trent and Mersey Canal. A brief visit here saw 66303 first up with the 6U77 Mountsorrel-Crewe VQ. 13th March 2014
Colas have wasted no time in putting their new Class 70s to work but no-one could have predicted that this working would produce this unusual combination. 70801 ran L/E from Eastleigh to Acton where it attached to the front of the 6V62 Tilbury-Margam steel. The ensemble is seen passing a sizeable gallery of Fotters on 26th February 2014
This image was only taken for its rarity value! The late 10.59 XC service to Bournemouth enters the Down Loop through platform 4 at Brockenhurst to pass my Poole 'Stopper' which was held in Platform 3. Note the new L.E.D. stop signal BH8, this type of single aspect signal is being used in the Dorset coast Re-signaling scheme. 5th Februaury 2014